Role of inflammatory cytokine burst in neuro-invasion of Japanese Encephalitis virus infection: an immunotherapeutic approaches

• Published in: Journal of neurovirology Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 251 - 265
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Firoz, Ahmad, Shad, Husain, Adil, Pandey, Niharika, Khubaib, Mohd, Sharma, Rolee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Immunology; Infectious Diseases; Neurology; Neurosciences; Review; Virology; Neuroinflammation; Blood brain barrier; Cytokine; Microglia
• ISSN: 1355-0284; 1538-2443; 1538-2443
• DOI: 10.1007/s13365-024-01212-z

Japanese Encephalitis remains a significant global health concern, contributing to millions of deaths annually worldwide. Microglial cells, as key innate immune cells within the central nervous system (CNS), exhibit intricate cellular structures and possess molecular phenotypic plasticity, playing pivotal roles in immune responses during CNS viral infections. Particularly under viral inflammatory conditions, microglial cells orchestrate innate and adaptive immune responses to mitigate viral invasion and dampen inflammatory reactions. This review article comprehensively summarizes the pathophysiology of viral invasion into the CNS and the cellular interactions involved, elucidating the roles of various immune mediators, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, in neuroinflammation. Leveraging this knowledge, strategies for modulating inflammatory responses and attenuating hyperactivation of glial cells to mitigate viral replication within the brain are discussed. Furthermore, current chemotherapeutic and antiviral drugs are examined, elucidating their mechanisms of action against viral replication. This review aims to provide insights into therapeutic interventions for Japanese Encephalitis and related viral infections, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for affected individuals.